Report: 2016 Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG Coming to U.S.

When the 2013 Mercedes-Benz G-Class was refreshed two years ago, we were thrilled to get a new version of the V-8-powered G63 AMG (pictured). Some American G-Wagen fans felt like they got the short end of the stick, however, when the German automaker confirmed that the berserk V-12-powered Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG would be withheld from U.S. shores. According to a new report from Automotive News, that’s about to change.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG will reportedly sit atop the G-Wagen lineup here in the U.S. beginning next year. It will likely launch next fall, possibly at the Los Angeles auto show; AMG frequently introduces new high-performance models at the Californian event.

Available overseas since 2012, the current Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG produces 604 hp and an absurd 738 lb-ft of torque from its monstrous twin-turbo, 6.0-liter V-12. Powering all four wheels through a seven-speed automatic, the twelve-cylinder is shared with the full-size S65 AMG sedan and coupe, and can rocket the rough-and-tumble G-Class to 62 mph in a claimed 5.3 seconds.

Although it’s second best in terms of power, we can’t forget the sensational Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG that’s already offered in the U.S. Powered by a twin-turbo, 5.5-liter V-8 dishing out 544 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque, the super-luxury G63 costs a pretty penny at $136,625 including destination. The top-shelf 2016 Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG will likely cost beyond the $250,000 mark. Still, for some buyers the cost will be worth it. As AMG Tobias Moers has said of other models, “There are AMG fans for whom our V-12 biturbo engine is the measure of all things.”

Our colleagues at Motor Trend reported in March that AMG chief Tobias Moers said the G65 AMG would be sold in the U.S. so long as it could pass the relevant crash tests.

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